3 WEEKS IN NORWAY: THE EPIC ADVENTURE ITINERARY
- Missy & Lucas
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
This three-week Norway itinerary is the ultimate adventure taking you from the Arctic to the dramatic Lofoten Island coastline, and finally culminating in the western fjords. It is perfect for those adventurous travellers who feel like getting some mud on their hiking boots and their rental tires!
With what will certainly feel like too little time, here is our recommendation on seeing the highlights of Norway in 3 weeks, so, pack your layers, secure your hiking boots, and get ready to chase the Midnight Sun and spectacular views!
GENERAL INFORMATION
When to Go: July to September for this itinerary is the perfect time to visit!
Clothing: Layers are a great idea! Even in August, layers will save you from inconsistent and cool weather. Proper, waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended for the hikes ahead.
Weather: Inclement weather is common! This itinerary has flexibility to shift when the weather is unpredictable.
Driving and Transport: This itinerary involves flights, ferries, and car rentals. Make sure to factor in ferry times and pre-book popular internal flights and the Flåm railway. We recommend a smaller, automatic rental. We primarily used Wideroe internally with no issue.
Wild Camping: Norway embraces freedom camping and it is truly part of the experience so we would recommend trying it at least once! When doing this, please adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
3 WEEK NORWAY ITINERARY OUTLINE
DAY 1 TO 2 - OSLO
While you might need time to rest, make the most of your limited time in Norway’s capital before heading north!
Start your first full day with a fantastic late-morning meal at a local spot—we enjoyed brunch at Bonita Cafe! With your energy (and potentially warmth) replenished, you can set out to explore the city centre. Your first destination should be the iconic Karl Johan Gate, Oslo's most famous street. This main boulevard runs all the way from the Central Station to the majestic Royal Palace, making for a great introduction to the city.
Spend the afternoon exploring near the harbour. Must-sees include the striking, angular architecture of the Oslo Opera House (you can walk right up the roof!) and walking through the historic grounds of the Akershus Fortress, which offers beautiful views over the fjord.
As evening sets in, head to SALT, situated along the water and overlooking the Opera House. It’s a great spot for a sauna (they have 12!) or dinner and drinks in a unique atmosphere.
Accommodation Recommendation:
Topcamp Ekeberg: A convenient (approximately 1 hour walk) and quiet first stop for camping/cabins near the city.
DAY 3 TO 5 - LONGYEARBYEN (SVALBARD)
Make your way back to the airport to catch your flight to Longyearbyen, which is still the northernmost "city" in the world. If you are visiting in summer, enjoy the 24 hours of daylight!
You'll also notice signs upon entrance and exit of the city warning of polar bears. People leaving town must carry something to ward off polar bears, and a rifle is generally the recommended choice!
On your first full day you'll be dog sledding (on wheels during summer!) with Basecamp Explorer, where you will get to harness your team, drive the sled, and enjoy puppy cuddles with the Alaskan huskies. The huskies are so eager to run, and require exercise and love in the summer too! They will pick you up and drop you off. It costs approximately 1,790 NOK, does not run daily, and can be booked in advance.
Afterward, warm up by visiting SvalBad Floating Sauna. If you happen to get too warm, then just step outside and take a polar plunge into the Arctic waters! They recommend you bring two towels each, one to sit on and one to dry off with. It is about 1 hour from Coal Miner's Cabins (no mandatory polar bear precautions required), and closer if you stay near the harbour.
On your walk back, you will pass right by Svalbard Brewery, so finish off your last scheduled activity drinking beer brewed from 2,000-year-old glacial water! They have limited opening times available to visit in person, so make sure to check their website in advance to coordinate. At the time of writing this, they are open Fridays for drop in between 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00 p.m. for tastings (minimum four people required).
In the morning, enjoy your first Norwegian hike up the relatively short hike up Platåfjellet with Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions (keeping in mind you should have someone carrying a rifle or other deterrents to guide you). At 424 meters above sea level, the summit provided a magnificent, sweeping view over Longyearbyen. This trip can be steep in parts, but the views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains are absolutely worth the effort.
Slow down and enjoy a snack and warm drink at Cafe Huskies, where—you guessed it—you will be greeted by more incredibly adorable huskies.
For dinner, make an advance reservation at Vinterhagen Restaurant, the "greenest place in Svalbard" due to its greenhouse-like building full of plants. You will get to try unique Arctic foods including reindeer, seal, and whale!
Since you will, sadly, be leaving the next day, ensure you take advantage of the Midnight Sun by doing a mini Svalbard bar crawl visiting Karlsberger Pub and SvalBar, with an optional nightcap at your accommodation like Coal Miners' Cabins. We really enjoyed the local Norwegian gins and couldn't help but try the local beers!
Accommodation Recommendation:
Coal Miners’ Cabins: Simple, comfortable, and a perfect base for Longyearbyen adventures. Can include breakfast.
DAY 6 TO 14 - TROMSØ, LOFOTEN ISLANDS, AND SENJA
It is time to say goodbye to Svalbard, catching a morning flight back to the mainland, arriving in Tromsø.
First on the agenda is to pick up your rental car—a necessity for the coming road trip through Lofoten and Senja. Don't forget to hit up the essentials (in our eyes the necessities include some bevvies, two types of pasta, many packs of ichaban, and buns, meat, and cheese) for the remainder of your camping road trip!
Drive approximately 421km to the Svolvær area and find a nice patch of "near-the-side-of-the-road" to park and try your hand at freedom camping!
Start your next morning with an early walk across the Svinøya Bridge—stopping for photos of Svolvær and the "goat horn" mountains Fløya and Svolværgeita—to Svinøya.
On the other side, make sure to visit the classic and cozy red fisherman cabins (rorbu/rorbuer) and the fish flakes to see where cod/skrei is also put out to dry and become stockfish. When pickled in lye, stockfish becomes the famous Norwegian food, Lutefisk.
"I have tried lutefisk twice, once going down, and another time coming back up."
Lastly, walk out on the water and along the pier to Fiskerkona (Fisherman's Wife) Statue, waving her hand out towards the sea hoping for her fisherman husband to return, in honour of those waiting or loved ones to return.
The afternoon will be dedicated to tackling the moderate, but steep, Fløya hike. Online sources differ on the distance of the hike, but it is safe to say it ranges between 3.5-4.5km roundtrip, with an elevation gain of about 590 meters. In addition to amazing views of Vestfjord and Svolvær, you will also pass Djevelporten (Devil’s Gate) where a rock is wedged between two cliffs that can be stood on for a dramatic photo.
End your day with dinner at the renowned Børsen Restaurant, housed in a beautiful warehouse from 1828, obviously trying the local fish!
We recommend ending your day only a short drive away at Kabelvåg Feriehus & Camping for access to WiFi, a kitchen, bathroom, and shower.
Drive out to Henningsvær (approximately 30 minute drive), a super charming village. Take the drive slowly and enjoy the views; the journey is an activity in itself!
Once there, grab coffee at Klatrekafeen (the climber's café), which is an icon located in an old rorbu. Lysstøperiet also serves hot sandwiches (in addition to hand-made candles and desserts) that are exactly what I want after chilly camping days!
Next, visit the spectacular Henningsvær Football Stadium—Norway’s most famous and scenic football field. This may be one that some people want to skip, but Lucas is a big football fan and it is very cool to see the stadium with the Lofoten backdrop via drone!
Head inland slightly to the Lofotr Viking Museum in Bøstad (approximately 50 minute drive). Walking through the traditional longhouses and learning about Viking life is fascinating, and there are tons of fun activities to participate in, like axe-throwing, archery, and sailing in the Viking Ship! Grab a glass of mead at one of the concession-style stands.
With or without good weather, stop at Unstad and Haukland beaches (approximately 20 minute drive). In addition to being number one on Lonely Planet's 20 Best Beaches in Europe, Haukland is also the starting point for the popular Mannen hike. Expect 2–3 hours and approximately 4.2km with 400m elevation gain to get spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Freedom camp just off the road somewhere between Ballstad and Nusfjord (approximately 40 minute drive) to make travel easier in the morning!
The following morning, enjoy exploring one of Norway's oldest and best preserved fishing villages. Those not staying at the Nusfjord Arctic Resort must pay a small entrance fee. Although it is no longer active, you can still walk back through time by visiting the blacksmith forge, the fish oil factory, and Landhandel, an old-fashioned store. Make sure to stop by the cozy Hansines Bakery for fresh pastries to enjoy outside if weather permits!
Stop by the Blacksmith of Sund (approximately 30 minute drive) to watch one of the dwindling blacksmiths do his craft, specifically making simple, wrought-iron cormorants, which is a mythical bird in Northern Norwegian folk legend.
Set off on the Ryten Hike to the Kvalvika Beach Overlook (approximately 15 minute drive). This is a slightly longer hike (about 4 hours and 8.7km round trip) but the view over the crescent-shaped beach is phenomenal.
Afterward, cool off with a quick walk in the water and white sands of nearby Ramberg Beach before posting up at Lofoten Beach Camp as your base for the next few nights. It cannot be reserved and is first come, first serve.
For one of the most famous photo spots in Lofoten walk across the Hamnøy Bridge (approximately 25 minute drive); you'll see the classic shot of red rorbuer along the water with the mountain backdrop.
Drive to the end of the road: the Village of Å (approximately 20 minute drive). This is the furthest point you can drive, and is home to the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum. Explore fishing life via the various buildings and treat yourself to a cinnamon bun at the bakery (only open for the summer months).
On your way back, stop at Sakrisøya (approximately 20 minute drive), where all the rorbuer are painted yellow instead of the traditional red. Visit Anita’s Sjømat to enjoy fantastic fish dishes, like a fish sandwich. You'll find incredible views overlooking the fjord from both the seating area inside as well as out!
Make the drive back to Lofoten Beach Camp for the evening.
The main event for the day is the Reinebringen Hike (approximately 30 minute drive). The view from this summit (448m) is arguably the most famous in Norway. While the hike is short (1.7 km), it is extremely steep and generally busy. Luckily, sherpa steps—large stone steps—have been laid along the path, making the journey easier and safer. Enjoy the incredible views at the top!
As you make the short trip to Reine, park and walk to the viewpoint of Gravdalsbukta bay, Reine village, and Olstinden mountain, all with rorbuer circling the water. On calm days, you can see the mountains clear reflection in the water.
Afterward, in Reine, reward yourself with a meal (we recommend the toastie) and a coffee at Bringen Kaffebar.
For some variety in your views—from the water, instead of of the water—book a guided kayak with Reine Paddling. They offer a morning (10:30 a.m.) and an evening (8:00 p.m.) three hour kayak. In full transparency, our kayak was cancelled due to seriously inclement weather so we were unable to experience this ourselves!
Return to Lofoten Beach Camp for your final night's stay.
Expect to take around four and a half hours to travel to Andenes, 58km of which will take you along the beautiful Andøya Scenic Route.
You will be taking the just-over-two-hour ferry from Andenes to Gryllefjord (Senja).
With ferries in Lofoten, it is important to be there ahead of time to get a good spot in line, especially for the popular crossings. Luckily, you will have a back-up option of taking the morning ferry if you have missed the evening one. Due to our weather pushing our plans, we arrived and slept in the car and in line overnight, ensuring we were one of the first on the morning ferry.
If you didn't miss the evening ferry, consider making the one hour drive to Ersfjord Beach for wild camping (also known for its quirky golden toilet facility).
The next day, take in the dramatic mountain scenery and fine white sand on Ersfjord Beach before visiting two viewpoints: Tungeneset and Bergsbotn.
At Tungeneset a wooden walkway leads you to a rocky beach with views of the Devil’s Teeth (Okshornan) mountains.
At Bergsbotn you will find an elevated viewing platform overlooking Bergsfjord, offering panoramic views of mountains and the fjord below.
Dedicate your afternoon to hiking up Hesten on a moderate two-to-three hour trail that offers amazing views of Segla, jutting out from the earth. There seems to be some discrepancies on exact distance and elevation gain, but expect around 3.7km–4km and 450m-520m respectively.
Spend one more evening wild camping at Ersfjord Beach to say goodbye to Lofoten! Or, if you are already ready, make the final two and a half hour drive back to Tromsø.
You will have one full day in Tromsø to explore.
Consider visiting The Arctic Cathedral (not the most interesting inside, but the mosaic window and the shape of the building itself were very pretty.
For folklore enthusiasts, visit the Troll Museum.
And since you may be tired of camping food and drink, consider embracing the Scandinavian coziness with a coffee (maybe at Tollefsen Cafe, my personal preference!) or a warm meal (don't mistakenly order the cold fish at Fiskekompaniet like we did!)
You can spend the evening camping at Tromso Lodge and Camping, or consider a warmer stay in town like we did.
DAY 15 TO 17 - BERGEN AND THE WESTERN FJORDS
Catch an early flight to Bergen as the perfect gateway to the western fjords.
Upon arrival, grab lunch or a snack at the Bergen Fish Market. I strongly recommend a pepper smoked salmon, and personally would pass on the fish cakes, but to each their own!
Just moments away, explore the historical wharf and UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, walking through the colourful wooden buildings looking at souvenirs, art, and more. We recommend having a glass of wine or a beer along the wharf and enjoying the scenery.
Take the Fløibanen funicular up to the top of Mount Fløyen, where you will find views of the city, a Troll Forest, and The Fløirestaurant, where we recommend having a nice dinner.
I would recommend looking at apartments downtown on Booking.com or your preferred website, as the stay we would recommend no longer seems to be available!
Pick up your rental car in the morning and make your way to Tvindefossen (Voss Waterfall), standing over 400 feet tall.
Don't miss another UNESCO World Heritage site at Nærøyfjord. Get a stunning view from Gudvangen, and walk across a bridge to find the Viking city of Njardarheimr in Viking Valley. Set in the most stunning landscape imaginable, you can easily lose yourself in the surroundings. Additionally, take part in archery or axe-throwing, or sit on furs around a fire.
Next, drive up intense switchbacks until you reach Stegastein Lookout and a platform jutting out over Aurlandsfjord.
Consider camping at Flåm Camping and Hostel. We ended up being flooded out, but otherwise planned on camping here!
In the morning, consider a roundtrip Flåm Railway ticket paired with a roundtrip Fjord Cruise on Nærøyfjord ticket with Norway's Best. Fair warning, this entails taking the train to Myrdal then back to Flåm, and taking the cruise to Gudvangen then back to Flåm, so it does include doubling back. It worked out best for us, was nearly the same price, and we got to enjoy the scenery from both directions.
The train makes a short stop by Kjosfossen, where you can alight and witness the thundering waterfall up close.
If you do both activities roundtrip it will take approximately two and a half hours for the train (595 NOK per person), and four and a half hours for the cruise (640 NOK per person).
Spend one more evening at Flåm Camping and Hostel.
DAY 18 TO 19 - TROLLTUNGA
Today is a logistical day as you transition for the big ascent up the famous Trolltunga.
Make the three-hour journey to Odda in the morning. Once there, you can spend some time walking the city and getting set up at Trolltunga Camping, which offers beautiful campsites, some with water views. Note that tent sites are not available to be pre-booked—it operates on a first come, first served basis.
Ensure you have packed all your supplies, including food and water, for the hike and camp ahead.
If you are lucky enough to book your parking ahead of time, aim for the premium lot: P3 Mågelitopp. This reservation should be made for two nights/days because your car will be parked overnight while you are on the mountain.
By booking P3 and planning ahead, you earn the right to wild camp at the top of Trolltunga, and your hike is significantly shorter and with less elevation gain.
In the morning, drop off your vehicle and tow all your food, water, and camping gear with you. If you plan to camp, remember the most important rule of the Norwegian wilderness: Carry out all trash!
Expect 20km total, but—lucky you!—you're spending one night on Trolltunga and will only be doing 10km the first day going up to Trolltunga!
Most estimates are between 7–10 hours roundtrip, and the jury is out on elevation, with some saying 320m and others saying 800m. We are leaning more toward the 800m due to repeated descents and ascents along the trail.
Starting from P2 will add an additional 4.3km each way and may take between 8–12 hours roundtrip.
Either way, you will be rewarded with the famous rock formation jutting out 700 meters above the lake Ringedalsvatnet.
At midday there may be lines waiting to go out for the famous photo, but in our experience there were only a couple people waiting. We ended up going out once in the afternoon, once in the evening as the sunset, and again in the morning before hiking back down.
DAY 20 TO 21 - BERGEN AND OSLO
In the morning, after hiking down from Trolltunga head back toward Bergen after about three hours drive.
In the morning, you'll be dropping off your car and taking one of the most scenic trains transporting you back to your starting destination of Oslo (approximately 7 hours).
Citybox is a great final stay to go out on the town as a final hurrah in Norway!
WRAPPING UP
That concludes your 21-day journey through Norway! From Svalbard's pristine wilderness to the dramatic fjord landscape of the south, this itinerary highlights the best of the country’s intense beauty and adventure opportunities.
Whether you followed it day-by-day or simply used it for inspiration, we hope it helped you plan your own Norwegian adventure!
Do you have tips, questions about the scenic drives, or stories from your own Norwegian road trip? We'd love to hear from you, so drop a comment below!
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